By Lewis of Orange H.R. No. 871 75R14299 BNL-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On May 11, 1997, Texans and indeed all Americans 1-2 will join in the celebration of Mother's Day, and this provides a 1-3 fitting opportunity for the members of this chamber to pay tribute 1-4 not only to our own mothers and wives but to our many colleagues 1-5 who balance the demands of motherhood with the duties of public 1-6 office; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Societal changes have continually shaped and changed 1-8 our ideal of motherhood, and this has been particularly evident 1-9 over the past half-century; today's mother is just as likely to be 1-10 in the boardroom as in the kitchen, but the essence of motherhood 1-11 has remained unchanged throughout time: to provide the nurturing 1-12 and unconditional love that every child needs in order to grow and 1-13 thrive; and 1-14 WHEREAS, This noble task is not always easy, for mothers are 1-15 often called on to fill many roles at once, tending to a wide array 1-16 of concerns in the home, in the workplace, and in the community; 1-17 the members of this chamber recognize that many of the women in our 1-18 lives, whether they are our mothers, wives, colleagues, or friends, 1-19 have faced the additional challenge of taking on these competing 1-20 roles in the public spotlight that surrounds elected officials; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Nelda Laney, wife of House Speaker Pete Laney, can 1-22 undoubtedly attest to the trials and triumphs of life in the public 1-23 eye, and the grace and dignity with which she has performed her 1-24 duties as the speaker's wife and as the mother of three children 2-1 have earned her the regard and admiration of all who know her; and 2-2 WHEREAS, With all due respect to certain members of our armed 2-3 forces, motherhood can truly be called "the toughest job you'll 2-4 ever love," for it encompasses a tremendous range of challenges, 2-5 opportunities, frustrations, and joys, and the ultimate rewards, 2-6 intangible though they may be, are among the most meaningful and 2-7 enduring experiences in life; all mothers share a powerful bond in 2-8 the love that they have for their children, and this love enriches 2-9 our world beyond measure; now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby commemorate Mother's Day 1997 and extend deepest 2-12 thanks and appreciation to all the mothers who have contributed so 2-13 much to the workings of this chamber.